Saturday, May 26, 2012

Reflections: The Bee Gees

Gerry: As a young child I had no clue as to what the song “U.S. Mining Disaster 1941” was about. And wait: Wasn’t the name of the song “Mrs. Jones”?

Fast forward a few years. I got chills whenever the mournful tugs of “Run to Me” came on the radio. And in 1975 when Main Course came out, my oldest brother bought the LP…did we wear that one out! It was catchy, poppy; a little disco-y in places, and singing along and trying to hit those falsetto notes was fun!

In 2001 I discovered the Bee Gees all over again. Don’t recall where I first heard “This is Where I Came In”, however, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the CD. And I wasn’t disappointed; been playing it for the last few days now. My heart goes out to Barry Gibb for and the families of Robin and Maurice for their loss. Now, to download the “Main Course” album and a few others!

Paul: In 1967 when “N.Y. Mining Disaster 1941” and “To Love Somebody” were hits I was just entering my senior year of high school. I bought their album Bee Gees 1st and discovered that Maurice and Robin were the same age as me! It struck me as amazing; that could be me! Okay, except for the whole lack of talent thing!

The Bee Gees sang words I could relate to. A favorite cut was “I Can’t See Nobody”; part of the chorus was “my eyes can only look at you”. I dreamed of singing that to the girl I was in love with that particular week. Later favorites were “Words” and “Massachusetts”, where I was living at the time.

I bought every album up to the disco releases; my wife bought those! Between us, we have every U.S. album the Bee Gees ever released. We still play them and love them. Their music takes us back to when times were so much simpler. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Maurice and Robin but rejoice in the music and memories they left behind.

Joe: I always liked The Bee Gees. The first time I really noticed them was with "To Love Somebody". They disappeared after "I Started a Joke" in 1969. Two years later, I heard "Lonely Days". Thought it was John Lennon at first, but nope, The Bee Gees were back! Later in 1971 they did one of my all-time favorites, "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart".

After 1972 they disappeared again, came back strong in 1975, then dominated through the rest of the 1970's. I liked their music from "Saturday Night Fever" and so did John Lennon. They had great CDs in 1997 and 2001...great songs in "Alone" and "This Is Where I Came In". Maurice died in 2003, now his twin Robin in 2012. Barry and an awful lot of great music remain. Thanks, Brothers Gibb, for many years of joy through your music!

Maria: As a young child in the 1970's, the Bee Gee's gave me great insight about many things. My favorite song was "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart". Even at the tender age of six, I loved the words and the genuine heart of the Bee Gees.

Their music was transcontinental in the fact that they were so loved by many. The inspiration of their musical word was felt deep and still is today. Robin will be missed greatly. Rest in peace Robin. Your life has been filled with international homages to your unique musical talent.

Guy: I have to say I really feel bad for older brother Barry. First it was Andy, then Maurice and now Robin. At least he has a lot of great memories to embrace of the Bee Gees' lengthy career.

It was the summer of 1967 when I first heard New York Mining Disaster. Our local station didn't give it the exposure it deserved, but they made up for that with the hits that came later. The fan magazines were touting them as "The New Beatles" and that was very unfair to both groups. The Beatles weren't precursors to the Bee Gees either.

Pete: When I think of the Bee Gees my mind drifts back to the late 60's and early 70's. It seems my favorite songs then were sung by Robin. Songs such as I Started a Joke, Gotta Get a Message To You, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart and Massachusetts. Although Robin and Maurice were twins, they both had distinctive voices.

I never got tired of hearing Robin's trademark falsetto and his signature song phrasing. Sadly, another great voice of rock and roll has been silenced by a horrible disease. Cancer has taken way too many of our favorites in the world of entertainment. In Robin's memory and in the memory of all of the family members I have lost to cancer, I have made a donation to the American Cancer Society. Perhaps you would like to do the same.